With the dog-in-the-manger theory of trade, with the determination to reap inordinate profits and to exploit the weakest to the utmost there came a new imperialism,—­the rage for one’s own nation to own the earth or, at least, a large enough portion of it to insure as big profits as the next nation.  Where sections could not be owned by one dominant nation there came a policy of “open door,” but the “door” was open to “white people only.”  As to the darkest and weakest of peoples there was but one unanimity in Europe,—­that which Hen Demberg of the German Colonial Office called the agreement with England to maintain white “prestige” in Africa,—­the doctrine of the divine right of white people to steal.

Thus the world market most wildly and desperately sought today is the market where labor is cheapest and most helpless and profit is most abundant.  This labor is kept cheap and helpless because the white world despises “darkies.”  If one has the temerity to suggest that these workingmen may walk the way of white workingmen and climb by votes and self-assertion and education to the rank of men, he is howled out of court.  They cannot do it and if they could, they shall not, for they are the enemies of the white race and the whites shall rule forever and forever and everywhere.  Thus the hatred and despising of human beings from whom Europe wishes to extort her luxuries has led to such jealousy and bickering between European nations that they have fallen afoul of each other and have fought like crazed beasts.  Such is the fruit of human hatred.

But what of the darker world that watches?  Most men belong to this world.  With Negro and Negroid, East Indian, Chinese, and Japanese they form two-thirds of the population of the world.  A belief in humanity is a belief in colored men.  If the uplift of mankind must be done by men, then the destinies of this world will rest ultimately in the hands of darker nations.

What, then, is this dark world thinking?  It is thinking that as wild and awful as this shameful war was, it is nothing to compare with that fight for freedom which black and brown and yellow men must and will make unless their oppression and humiliation and insult at the hands of the White World cease.  The Dark World is going to submit to its present treatment just as long as it must and not one moment longer.

Let me say this again and emphasize it and leave no room for mistaken meaning:  The World War was primarily the jealous and avaricious struggle for the largest share in exploiting darker races.  As such it is and must be but the prelude to the armed and indignant protest of these despised and raped peoples.  Today Japan is hammering on the door of justice, China is raising her half-manacled hands to knock next, India is writhing for the freedom to knock, Egypt is sullenly muttering, the Negroes of South and West Africa, of the West Indies, and of the United States are just awakening to their shameful slavery.  Is, then, this war the end of wars?  Can it be the end, so long as sits enthroned, even in the souls of those who cry peace, the despising and robbing of darker peoples?  If Europe hugs this delusion, then this is not the end of world war,—­it is but the beginning!